Hurdle made it clear in the offseason that he wanted two left-handers in the bullpen, but has been forced to get by with one for most of the year. That’s not a huge issue if the one lefty is Joe Beimel, but the veteran is on the DL with a sore elbow. With Beimel out, the lone lefty instead has been rookie Daniel Moskos and Hurdle was uncomfortable with the setup.

Ascanio has been a disappointment since they Pirates got him in the John Grabow trade in 2009. Sidelined by injuries, he came into this season having pitched in just two five games — at any level — since the trade.

»»» The Pirates made an intriguing move with their second-round draft pick, taking high schooler Josh Bell. A ScottBoras client, Bell told teams before the draft he was intent on playing at the University of Texas. The Red Sox and Tigers had mulled drafting Bell in the first round — some scouts consider him the best high school bat in the draft — but may have been scared off. If the Pirates are unable to sign Bell, they’ll get a second-round compensatory pick next year. If Bell goes to college, he’ll likely be a top-five pick in 2013, when he’s eligible to re-enter the draft.

»»» Neil Walker is getting a day off, so Andrew McCutchen tonight will bat cleanup for the first time in his career. Since the start of last season, McCutchen ranks first among NL centerfielders with a .366 OBP.

Comments

I can see why a parent would want a son to go to college rather than sign a BB contract. A kid in college is in a dorm, goes to classes, dates girls, and is safe enviroment. But a kid [17-18] signs a contract is in a strange city and this could be a problem. I never read anything on how the minor league teams takes care of these kids but they must be doing something.

Besides, the money will still be there when he is eligible for the draft again. With that being said, I hope he signs with the Pirates.